Blog/Life Balance

This is the look my daughters give me every time they see me reach for my laptop… I can’t resist their sad puppy dog eyes, so I push the computer away, again and again.

I’ve had such a hard time getting back into blogging since the holidays. There just isn’t enough time in the day for everything I want to accomplish! I used to stay up into the wee hours just to stay on top of my blog and email, but one of my resolutions for the new year was to get more sleep, and I’ve been doing just that. That means I’ve lost 3-4 hours a day of work time. Do the math… and that’s 21-28 hours a week. A part-time job, basically, that I now have to fit in to the rest of my day.

I used to average 5 hours of sleep a night, and now I get at least 8, usually more.

My problem now is I haven’t found a way to fit blogging into my day. Between getting the girls dressed, playing/reading with them, cooking three meals a day, cleaning up after said meals, exercising, doing a load (or two) of laundry, tackling other household chores, the girls’ nightly bedtime routine, and spending time with my husband (a few nights a week), there is little time left to do anything else. Plus, I’m trying to be more active in my local community. So, how can I have it all?? I need a plan…

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I’ve noticed your absence and have been missing you lots! I honestly wish I had words of wisdom for you, but on this one, I don’t. When my kids were the ages of your girls I was barely on a computer and certainly not the internet because all we had was dial-up. I would say this, though, if you want to make it happen and you wnat to have more time for your blog and other online “stuff” you just have to get creative. I know your older daughter is in school so maybe work it into your day that you pop in a movie for the little one and tell her it’s Mommy’s work time and you really focus for that solid hour/hour and a half. Maybe??Cathy´s last blog post ..Ford Green Driving Technology Event – One heck of an awesome ride

A plan I what u need. Ur already well on ur way w/ the sleep plan. Sleep is what you NEED and u can’t really function w/o it. So don’t beat yourself up too much because you’re being proactive w/ your health. Give yourself some time & your readers will understand. Then work out a schedule for blogging – even if it starts w/ one hour one day a week and test it out. See how you feel. Get ur blog queues prepped when inspiration moves you but also limit your time w/ that so u stay consistent. Its easy to get wrapped up in the blogosphere – and we your readers love that. But you gotta love you more. Trust that you will find the right amount of time you need to get it all done – but In real life time, we can’t ever get that back. Relish it. Enjoy it. And embrace your YOU time & your FAMILY time. Best, Li @LaLicenciada @HerDeepThoughts

Hmmm…not sure that you can have it all…but you can choose one day a week that you will get up early (or go to bed late) so you can blog…or let your hubby take over on a Saturday for a couple of hours. I really like using the WP editorial calendar so I can plan ahead. Give it a shot and see what you think. You could also get some guest bloggers.

I get up at 5 am every day to write…but I don’t have super cute kids with puppy dog eyes! Here’s hoping you find the right balance. =)Deb Lee´s last blog post ..8 Personal Safety Tips

I’m not one to offer advice – I admire how much you cram into every day! – i would say have blogging “days” – and then taking days off. Maybe give yourself 2-3 days where you don’t touch the computer, and then blogging the rest of the week?

I think you’re amazing for juggling so many things and providing such a loving environment for your kids. My mother recently told me she wished she had taken more time out for herself when we were growing up. She felt like she had to sacrifice her own life and hobbies in order to raise me and my little brother. I knew as a child that my mom always super loved us, but in hindsight, I realize that a mom is the best example of living a happy life for her kids, and that includes taking time out for yourself.

I know your older daughter is in school so maybe work it into your day that you pop in a movie for the little one and tell her it’s Mommy’s work time and you really focus for that solid hour/hour and a half. Maybe??